How to Start a Spice Business

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur that wants to go into the spice business, this article will give you some guidance. You probably use dried herbs and spices every day to transform your dishes. Therefore, if you’re familiar with growing herbs and spices and enjoy creating recipes, you can definitely start your own business selling dried dip mixes, herbs and spices.

What’s great about this venture is that fact that you can run your business from your home with a minimal start up capital. You can sell spices, herbs and dip mixes to colleagues, neighbours or from a website. You can even sell in bulk and enjoy creating your own special  blends and flavours.

To grow or buy herbs and spices

The first thing you need to do is find out which herbs grow well in your area that you can grow in large quantities. They are very easy to grow. You can grow some herbs and spices indoors in a well-lit, screened area, whereas, you can start some as seedlings inside, and transfer them to the garden later in the season. You can start with Rosemary, Thyme and Basil. For ideas on herbs and spices to grow, go here.

If you decide not to grow, you need to ensure you are able to find a supplier that can supply you fresh herbs and spices on demand. As a spice industry Africa woman in business, you need to familiarize yourself with both the wholesale and retail spice marketplace, and secure supply relationships with manufacturers or distributors of spices from different areas.

Drying your Herbs and Spices

Pick fully grown plants, including any flowers or seeds; tie them in bundles with a string; and hang them inside to dry. Leave them to dry until all of the moisture has evaporated. You can use a microwave to quickly dry small quantities. You can also invest in a food dehydrator to dry larger quantities. Herbs and spices can be dried quickly in a dehydrator, where you can control the temperature and air circulation for the best results. DO NOT dry herbs in the sun, because they lose their flavor and color. You have to dry your herbs and spices naturally when exposed to warm, dry air. If you grow them organically, you can sell them for higher prices.

Packaging

Package your dried herbs and mixes in jars or plastic packages. Make small packages for retail customers, and larger packages for wholesale customers. Print labels with an attractive business logo and titles of the products. Label the dried mixtures, listing individual ingredients and any special directions.

You should also consider including recipes and cooking tips for your herb and spice packages and dried dip mixes.

Marketing Your Business

If you’ve done your homework, you already know that writing a business plan is the most critical thing you can do for your company. Although it might seem like an unnecessary formality, your spices company’s business plan is a document that will shape your goals and strategies on a go-forward basis. You have to figure out out where your customers are and how to reach them before you even start your business. You should also consider working as a wholesaler with local gift shops, specialty food stores and restaurants. Create a beautiful website to reach retail and wholesale customers in other areas. You can also create videos about herbs and spices on YouTube to attract customers to your website.

Become a reliable source for your customers to ensure your success.